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Commercial Fire Sprinkler System Plans Review R0263

Training Specialist


Keith Heckler
301-447-1380

Delivery type


5-day on-campus

Continuing education units


3.6

ACE recommendation


Pending (ACE Review): In the upper-division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in fire engineering.

Advanced-level course

This 5-day, advanced-level course will enable students to perform commercial fire sprinkler system plan reviews to allow structured decision-making in the target audience's real-life job-related situations and responsibilities. These skills are essential to meet code officials' needs so they may conduct reviews and approve plans for sprinkler fire protection systems in their jurisdiction.

The scope of this course spans instruction in the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the soundness and code compliance of engineering and architectural plans for commercial fire sprinkler systems proposed as part of facility and occupancy construction plans. The course will enable students to perform a plan review to evaluate the suitability of the fire sprinkler system calculations in accordance with nationally recognized standards for design and installation. In order to view online codes, students are required to bring a Wi-Fi-ready laptop or tablet.

Course content covers:

  • Fire protection standards.
  • Plan reading.
  • Parts of a submittal package.
  • Classifying hazards.
  • Water supplies.
  • Sprinkler system components.
  • Remote areas.
  • Evaluating hydraulics calculations.

Pre-course materials and course syllabus

Course syllabus: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/ax/syll/syllabus_r0263.pdf PDF 365K

The target audience includes full-time fire prevention and allied public officials with at least one year on the job experience who are responsible for the review of plans for sprinkler system shop drawings in their jurisdictions. Applicants who are transitioning or acquiring additional responsibilities must submit a letter from the chief or organizational head of their department.

Applicants must have familiarity with NFPA 13, plan review processes, codes/standards compliance, and fire protection systems and equipment.

Students need to be familiar with NFPA 13, commercial fire sprinkler systems equipment, and nomenclature, and have prior experience in fire prevention plan review programs, community goals, priorities, and meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Incident Command System (ICS)-100-level and ICS-200-level training. Preferred courses are Q0462 and Q0463, available through NFA Online. Chief’s signature attests that the applicant has completed this required training.

Required pre-course work available through NFA Online:

  • Q0218, "Testing and Evaluation of Water Supplies for Fire Protection."

Applicants must provide a copy of their documentation to support the prerequisite requirements at the time of application. Documentation (certificates, transcripts, certifications and letters) must be clear, readable, concise and attached to the application at time of submission.

Upcoming offerings

Dates Availability Location Contact(s) CCP
April 15 - 19, 2024 Wait List Opportunity Apply Emmitsburg, Maryland
July 15 - 19, 2024 Apply by 4/15 Apply Emmitsburg, Maryland
August 12 - 16, 2024 Apply by 4/15 Apply Emmitsburg, Maryland